SoCal HockeyCast http://socalhockeycast.com A guy and his two daughters, talking about hockey en Ted Lai, 2008 ted@socalhockeycast.com Liberated Syndication - libsyn.com podcasts@libsyn.com (Liberated Syndication) Wed, 28 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT 180 Listen to a die-hard, life-long hockey fan and his two daughters as they talk about the league, the players, and their favorite team... the LA Kings. This is a Podcast of information, rumors, opinions, and other thoughts on ice hockey from the Southern California perspective of Technology Ted and his two daughters. A life-long Kings supporter, Technology Ted, also known as The PodPiper, brings perspectives and insights to listeners as a true hockey fan... one who has faithfully watched and supported his home team all his life despite their failure to win the Stanley Cup. Be entertained and informed by his two guest analysts (his daughters Zoe and Genevieve) as they give team and league-wide reports and discuss the week's highlights, lowlights, and other memorable moments. This podcast is a delightful blend of hockey knowledge and family-friendly entertainment. socal, sports, hockey, california, ice, los angeles kings, family, technology, ted lai, technologyted, enhanced podcast, anaheim mighty ducks, national hockey league, family, daughters, zoe, genevieve, ted, lai, podpiper The PodPiper ted@socalhockeycast.com Ted Lai http://libsyn.com/podcasts/socalhockey/images/SCHC_logo_RGB_white.gif SoCal HockeyCast http://socalhockeycast.com Clean The Return of the Podcast... Stanley Cup 2008 http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=343893# The SoCal HockeyCast, enhanced podcast is back! In this episode, listen and watch as Ted, Zoe, and Genevieve talk about the Stanley Cup Finals, the Los Angeles Kings, and what the heck happened to them for over a year! Remember, this is an enhanced podcast and has images, live URL links, and chapters. It's best viewed in iTunes... a free download from the Apple website at http://apple.com/itunes. If you have any questions or comments at all, please email us at info@socalhockeycast.com.
]]> podcasts Wed, 28 May 2008 02:00:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=343893# ted@socalhockeycast.com 00:06:20 hockey, socal, hockeycast, la kings, los angeles, kings, stanley, cup, penguins, red wings, detroit, pittsburgh The PodPiper Clean Beginners Hockey Workshop Awards http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=342329# Unlike the Ducks and the Kings, the hockey season for participants in the Kings Beginning Hockey Workshop with Daryl Evans continues. I know that I didn't report on the "big game" we played on April 24th, but it's been a busy crazy time in our family! It was a surreal experience that seemed a total haze for me. My mom had just suffered a heart attack and was scheduled for a double bypass, so my mind definitely wasn't on the game. In fact, I'd be hard pressed to give much more of an assessment of the game other than, "It was fun," and "I was terrible." I didn't score any goals, but one of my passes was finished off, so I did get an assist. The Purple Team lost this game, but it was kind of bogus. Our goalie allowed two goals to the kids on the Yellow Team. Without the charity goals, we'd have won by a goal.  Not a big deal. It was still a lot of fun. However, the most memorable moment came at the very end of the game. Yellow sqaud's #16, the goon I mentioned, was in the corner, checking one of my linemates, Ben Salisbury. Our goalie was pulled, and I hopped on the ice. The puck was in the corner near the goon and Ben. I got to skate at least half the length of the ice, turn at the last moment, and give him a good hip check. I must admit... knocking him to the ice was the BEST part of the night for me personally. Of course, in a real, competitive game, I would've been penalized for boarding, charging, and probably given a 10-minute misconduct. However, even though I'm not a violent person, by any means, I must admit... it was so satisfying to check the goon.

Okay, enough with the past. Now fast forward to the present. We also had a three-practice extension of the Beginning Hockey Workshop. It was a little smaller than the first session, but it was still well attended. The "Noah's Ark" theme continued. We still had the pairs of Salisburys and Wells. We lost the Dearmans and Manzellas, but we gained another Slee and a pair of Ballards. The practice really did extend our learning and gave us more practice on the ice to improve our skills. My skating has definitely improved immensely. I can skate backwards... not well, but not as poorly as before. I can stop and slow down, and I can turn on a dime... of course, the dime has to have a two-foot diameter, but it's better! I could definitely use a lot more work on skating with the puck because I can't stickhandle very well while moving.

Our second big game was this past Tuesday, May 21st. It was a great game. Much better than the last one. On the first shift of the game, I saw one of my linemates breaking out, and I got an outlet pass to him for a goal. Of course, it helps that Wolf has a wicked good wrist shot for the beginning group. I also got a centering pass to little David Wing who finished it off for another goal. The best part of the game was that my little girl, Genevieve, was in attendance, cheering on Team Purple. I really appreciated how she refrained from laughing each time I fell. Now that I'm skating a lot faster and taking more risks in lateral movement, I seem to fall a lot more. I guess since our teammate Fell is gone, someone else has to pick up the slack of eating ice the most.

It felt like a much faster game, and that might have been because we were playing on the other rink and had harder ice... Who knows? Maybe it was because we had all improved in our skating. For whatever reason, the game flew by, and I actually felt really good on the ice... well, except when I ran into the huge Asian American guy, Tony Liu. It was a comedic moment... much like when a cartoon character runs into a brick wall. I'll let you think about who was the brick wall. If you guessed me, then you're right on one! I bounced off of him and staggered back, but I stayed on my skates! Cool, huh? In the first week, I definitely would have fallen. I probably would have fallen in the second and third weeks as well. Unlike the run at the goon in the first game, this was totally accidental. I mean, come on, I'm not stupid. Tony's a nice guy, he's a lot bigger than me, and he's no goon. AND did I mention that I'm not a masochist? Two days later, I'm still feeling soreness in my neck and shoulders from the collision. Definitely an accident

Just for fun, I have some of my own awards to hand out... mostly to Team Purple players because I got to know them a little better, but we're all winners for taking the risk of learning how to play the game we love...

  • Most Likely to be Drafted by an NHL Team: It would be diplomatic to say that we all have the same chance (slim to none really), but the truth is that Little David Wing has the best shot at being a pro. He's a spitfire! He's tenacious, has good hockey sense, and seems to love the game.
  • Best Defenseman: This is a tie for me. Kao and Terry both had a knack for breaking up plays and bringing the puck back up ice.
  • Best Skater: Feldman. He can skate forwards, backwards, and laterally. I rarely see him fall because he's so strong on his skates.
  • Most Inspirational Player: The younger Ballard. I can't remember her first initial, but I think it's a G. Her smile was infectious. I really hope that I look that happy when I'm out on the ice, because that's exactly how I feel. Every time I was tired, I'd look over at Ballard and feel re-energized.
  • Toughest to Play Against: Another tie. Because of his size and reach, Liu was really hard to get around. However, I also thought that Nishime was really hard to play against. She had great hockey sense and would lift my stick off the puck whenever I tried to go around her.
  • Best Linemate: Dan Wincensten was a very generous player, but more than that, the times I was out there with him, I felt like we actually started developing a little chemistry. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, and I knew that he'd have a good scoring chance if I could just get him the puck.
  • Best Hair: Zack Byerley. He had just the right length of curls peeking out of the back of his helmet. Very Jaromir Jagr (post-mullet days).
  • Best Imitation of Steve Kasper: Ben Salisbury. His shadowing of the goon was reminiscent of Steve Kasper's work on Gretzky... not that the goon was anywhere near as good as Gretzky (or as classy), but Salisbury did a great job sticking to him.
  • Unsung Hero: Darren Slee. I can't explain it, but he had nice things to say about everyone, and he just went out and worked hard.
  • Coach of the Year: Was there any doubt? Daryl Evans led a rag tag bunch of players and whipped them into two teams! It won't be a movie like the Bad News Bears or the Mighty Ducks, but it was inspirational for all of us!

What if I gave myself an award, you may ask? If I was very generous, I'd say, "Most Likely to be Craig Janney," because I'm not a top tier playmaker, but I'm steady at making the right pass. If I was joking around, I'd say, "Most Likely to be Mistaken for Paul Kariya." Hey, gotta represent my Asian brothers and sisters!

I can't wait till June when we come together for four more days. I feel like we're playing more as a team: communicating on the ice, making unselfish plays, and supporting each other.
]]> sports Fri, 23 May 2008 05:07:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=342329# The PodPiper No Beginners Workshop Session Four http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=331695# Session Number 4... The last one before the big game on Thursday night. It's incredible to see how far we've come. On a personal level, I've become proficient at stopping (at least with a snowplow and a gliding T-stop... still can't do the full out hockey stop), I'm better at going backwards, and I'm getting much faster and stronger on my skates (especially on the tight turns). The high point of the warm-up drills was when I was able to go down on one knee and pop right back up. It may not have been as smooth as many others, but it's the first time I was able to do it successfully. Of course, I was so shocked, that when I went to go down on my left knee, I totally messed up and fell. Oh well, next practice!

The absolute best part of the night was the last 20 minutes or so. We had an all-out scrimmage. Unofficially, the Purple Team won the scrimmage. Go Purple!!! I must say that I've never skated so hard in my life, but it was great to actually skate for a purpose. It's like that magical moment in life when students (usually in 3rd grade or so), go beyond learning to read, and they begin to read to learn. For those students, the light bulb goes on because they realize that there's a purpose for reading. It's not that I dislike the skating and stickhandling drills. I actually really do like them a lot, but when you scrimmage, then the whole point of why you're doing this becomes apparent.

Now, that said, for all the frantic skating I did, I felt like I barely did anything. The best part was getting the puck stickhandling a little and giving a decent outlet pass to Benjamin Salisbury who finished off the play with a nice goal. The big downer of the scrimmage was some wacko goon who somehow misunderstood the No Body Checking Rule. He ran me over pretty well and also hit Salisbury a couple times. He was also careless with his stickwork as well. I'm sure many of you are thinking that we're all beginners and he probably couldn't stop. Yeah, right... except that there were times that he wasn't even skating towards the puck when he would run over us. Goon!

On a totally different note... I had an email asking me what Daryl Evans is like as a coach/instructor. I've got to say, he's awesome. He really does a great job at demonstrating and explaining how to do the different drills. One good example is when he saw some of us having trouble with crossovers. He slowed it down in the demonstration and didn't just focus on what your feet and legs are doing. He talked about what your head and whole body does before you cross the leg over. It was great! I've never felt so stable doing a fast crossover. He's always encouraging and positive in his remarks. I've never had formal training in skating or stickhandling, and I have nothing but positives to say about Mr. Evans. If you're interested in learning how to play hockey, the LA Kings Beginner Workshops are a great way to do it (especially if Mr. Evans is teaching them)!
]]> Other Hockey Wed, 23 Apr 2008 02:41:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=331695# ted@podpiperproductions.com beginners, hockey, workshop, daryl, evans, kings The PodPiper No Third Practice is the Charm http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=329517# Like the saying goes... third time's the charm! This practice went really well. I still skate backwards like an arthritic octogenarian, but it's getting better. I think I'm about the same speed as the famous Mr. Fell... although I think I'm the only one who fell down while going backwards tonight, but hey! I'm learning!

Here are some of the things I've noticed during practice three:
  1. We're like the Noah's Ark of hockey workshops. We have a pair each of Wells, Dearmans, Manzellas, and Salisburys (I hope I've spelled all those names correctly).
  2. Daryl Evans is a good coach/teacher. He instructs as a whole group, demonstrates, and has helpers also demonstrate... then it's independent practice time to show that we know what we're doing (or not).
  3. The use of other experienced skaters to instruct allows for more activity, help, and input.
  4. This one guy, Zeiler, is a really good skater and has helped me almost as much as the official helpers.
  5. Unlike the NHL where we've only got Paul Kariya, Richard Park, Devin Setoguchi, and lesser known players like Chris Beckford-Tseu, Asian Americans are well represented at the Beginners Hockey Workshop... and we all definitely don't look alike. We run the gamut from petite (there's this one Asian American woman who's about my size... small) to hulking (one guy must be about 6'5"). As I said, we look nothing like each other, but I think there's a Lai (me), a Lau, a Liu, and a Kao... we'll need Bob Miller to do play-by-play to keep those names straight.
  6. Finally... those aches and pains from muscles I didn't know I had... they're gone. So that either means I'm not working hard enough or I'm getting used to the whole skating and stick-handling thing. Judging by my production of sweat, I think it's the latter.

More later!

]]> Other Hockey Thu, 17 Apr 2008 05:52:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=329517# begginers, hockey, workshop, kings, el segundo The PodPiper No Beginners Hockey Workshop http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=328730# Last night marked a departure from the last few Sunday nights. Many of you will be thinking that it had to do with the lack of a Kings' game. That's partially true, but it was actually strange because I didn't have hockey practice. Hockey practice? Yes, I am part of the LA Kings Beginners Hockey Workshop hosted by Daryl Evans.

Really learning to play ice hockey is something that I've always wanted to do. The handful of pick-up games in high school (roller and ice) and the two seasons of street hockey just don't count. I've wanted to learn how to actually play the sport I've loved for pretty much my whole life. With all this prior experience, you'd think that I'd do pretty well. All I can say is that I haven't truly embarrassed myself.

We've had two practices, and I'm not the worst, but I'm also far from the best. I've definitely improved already. Need proof? In the first practice, I couldn't stop. I was the guy who aimed for the emptiest stretch of boards to run into. However, by the second practice, I could definitely glide to a stop given enough time. Unfortunately, my biggest Achilles Heel was realized in that second practice... I can't skate backwards to save my life. The good news was that, I did improve enough to get across the ice (albeit very very VERY slowly). Some of the other participants actually gave up, turned around, and skated forward during the drill.

Having Daryl Evans lead the workshop is a thrill. Although he didn't have the lengthiest Kings' career, he's most notable for scoring the winning goal in the Miracle on Manchester... easily one of the greatest moments in Kings' history. He's an enthusiastic instructor and demonstrates what we need to do clearly. Of course, watching him do it so effortlessly (with unlaced skates no less), is a far cry from actually doing the drills, but it helps to see it done properly.

One of the other cool things has been the bonding. I haven't made any lifelong friends or anything, but all the participants are friendly and excited. We're all in it to learn, and it's a blast to have fun with a bunch of people. On the first night, Andrew Mason, one of the main organizers, announced that there was a hidden blogger amongst our ranks. One of the more amusing things about this was the fact that several of the participants thought it would be me because I "seemed pretty smart... the type to blog." Well, I'm more of a podcaster than a blogger, but I took it as a compliment. Hopefully I actually am smart, and don't just seem it.

On other news and notes, the SoCal HockeyCast podcast is in production again. It feels odd to have missed an entire season of podcasting, but my commute to work took out all my editing time. Armed with a new job (much closer to home) and two daughters who are ready to podcast, we're going to begin modestly in the next week or two.

Other than some playoff news, thoughts on the Kings, and other general SoCal Hockey thoughts, Genevieve and I will also talk about our respective learning curves for hockey... did I forget to mention that she's learning hockey as well? I'll save that for another time.
]]> sports Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:34:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=328730# The PodPiper No Ducks are Stanley Cup Champions!!!! http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=222984# Would I have rather it been the Los Angeles Kings who won the Stanley Cup?  Of course!  But at the same time, I love hockey, especially when it's played so well, and the Anaheim Ducks played VERY well.  More than anything, I'm proud that the Stanley Cup is coming to a West Coast team for the first time... and it's in Southern California!

Apparently, the third time's the charm.  This is the third time that a SoCal hockey team made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, and finally... the Cup is coming to Southern California.  The Anaheim Ducks, one of the early season favorites to win it all this season, thoroughly dominated the Ottawa Senators in the 6-2 win.

Except for about ten minutes in the second period, the Ducks controlled the play on both ends of the ice.  The first period saw Anaheim take a 2-0 lead on goals by Andy McDonald (the Ducks' leading goal scorer in the playoffs) and Rob Niedermayer.  They never lost the lead and never looked back, answering two goals by Daniel Alfredsson in the second period with two of their own by Travis Moen and Francois Beauchemin.  Moen's tally was a fluke goal that he never even touched when Senators' star defenseman Chris Phillips passed the puck under Ray Emery.  The Senator goalie slipped on the puck and pushed it into his own net.  This was the difference in the game.  All the momentum that the Senators seemed to have just dissipated.  They mounted a few more attacks, and Alfredsson scored his second, but it didn't seem like their spirit was in the game anymore.

The Ducks finished off the scoring with Travis Moen's second goal of the game (one that he actually touched) and a final one by Corey Perry... then the celebration started!  Captain Scott Niedermayer raised the Cup for the fourth time after graciously accepting a well-deserved Conn Smythe Trophy.  All in all, a triumphant, celebratory night for the Ducks.

I'm most happy for Teemu Selanne.  The veteran Ducks' forward truly resurrected his career and dispelled all the naysayers who felt like his career was over by finally winning his first Cup after 14 seasons in the NHL.  Chris Pronger, much criticized for his move from Edmonton to Anaheim last season also won his first Cup.  Much like Scott Stevens and Chris Chelios, Pronger is a warrior who plays on the edge (sometimes to the point of a cheap shot here or there), but there's no doubting how he can dominate a game.  Perhaps the most sentimental moment was when Scott Niedermayer handed the Cup off to his brother Rob, one of only three Ducks from the 2003 team that made it to the Cup Finals (and lost to Scott's New Jersey Devils).

So congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks!  Ownership and management has proven without a doubt that building a winner is WAY more successful than just creating an entertaining team.  I hope Disney was paying attention.
]]> Ducks Thu, 7 Jun 2007 14:40:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=222984# The PodPiper No Saluting Project Hope and the Usual News Around the League http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145198# Better late than never, right?  We have our Kings and Ducks reports as well as some quick news around the league.

In this enhanced podcast, we're sad about Martin Havlat, blow a raspberry at the Philadelphia Flyers organization, and salute the Charles B. Wang Ice Hockey Project Hope.  It's a great project that will benefit hockey worldwide eventually... hey, if you can get 1.3 billion people in China motivated in ice hockey, that means that the level of play will eventually go up! We also announce more great news for Kings' TV play-by-play man Bob Miller.

Here are some of the pertinent links...

You can buy Bob Miller's Tales From the Los Angeles Kings at Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Noble, or any other fine purveyor of books.  For Amazon's link, click here.

You can also find out more about Project Hope, the Asia League, and a news link here as well.

Thanks for listening, and have a great week of hockey!
]]> podcasts Fri, 27 Oct 2006 17:08:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=145198# 00:10:21 hockey, ice, socal, hockey, cast, ted, genevieve, zoe, podpiper, lai, kings, ducks, bob miller, project hope The PodPiper Clean Minnesota Finding Life on the Road is Wild http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=143016# Everybody knew that it would take a mighty team to defeat the Minnesota Wild.  The Anaheim Ducks were up to the task, handing Minnesota their first loss in seven games.  For the Wild, they're discovering that victories on the road are definitely more difficult than at home.  Against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night, the Wild were out-played but managed to squeak out an overtime win.  Against the Ducks, who are unquestionably more skilled than the Kings this season, the Wild were defeated 2-1.

Although the majority of the game was tightly played, the Ducks got goals from defensemen Scott Niedermayer and Sean O'Donnell in a slightly more open second period that saw Anaheim out-shoot Minnesota 15-7.  The Wild's Pierre-Marc Bouchard notched one goal at the end of the second period, but it wasn't enough for the Wild.

The first period was all about Jean-Sebastien Giguere once again.  The Wild out-shot the Ducks 10-5 in the first, but Giguere saved all of them and made 27 saves on 28 shots.  Manny Fernandez was good as well, making 27 saves on 29 shots, but the Wild looked flat once again.

The Wild are now 6-1, leaving the Buffalo Sabres as the lone undefeated team.  The Ducks improved to 5-0-2 and still have yet to lose a game in regulation.
]]> Ducks Sat, 21 Oct 2006 13:53:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=143016# The PodPiper No Kings Leave Coyotes Howling in Phoenix http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142392# Playing their second game in two nights, the Los Angeles Kings left the "safe" confines of home and took on the struggling Phoenix Coyotes.  Having scored a mere four goals in their four straight losses against the Dallas Stars (twice), Detroit Red Wings, and Minnesota Wild, the Kings entered the game struggling offensively, but looking slightly better defensively each game.  So the Kings headed off to play the Phoenix Coyotes and face off against their back-up goalie, Mike Morrison.  Apparently, this was the perfect recipe for creating a blow-out.  The Kings took advantage of a very undisciplined Coyotes squad and scored four power-play goals to win 4-0.  The three in the opening period chased Morrison from the nets.

The win was Mathieu Garon's second victory this season and ninth career shutout.  Garon was totally on his game, making all 40 saves.  The only difficult period was the second where Phoenix dictated the much of the play of the game and outshot the Kings 13 to 10.  Some of his better saves were definitely momentum-deflating saves for the Coyotes.  The third period was even more lopsided for shots on with Phoenix doubling up the Kings 16 to 8, but Garon made everything look easy, and the Kings' team defense rarely left rebounds untouched or players unchecked.

One only has to watch the steady, consistent play of Mathieu Garon to begin wondering when he'll begin playing an equal amount of games... if not take the #1 goalie job outright from Dan Cloutier.  For the season, Garon is 2-1 with a 1.67 goals against average and .952 save percentage.  Cloutier, on the other hand, has struggled with soft goals in all of his five games, going 1-3-1 with a 3.02 GAA and a .893 save percentage.

The offense was supplied by Alexander Frolov, Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Michael Cammalleri.  Frolov, Kopitar, and Cammalleri all had multi-point games, each registering a goal and an assist.  Rob Blake finally found the scoring sheet, in gathering two assists for the night.  For Kopitar, this gives him three goals and six assists in only eight games this season (good enough to tie him for ninth in points around the league).  The fact that all the young guns were contributing offensively was good news for the Kings who hope that each can supply more offense as the season continues.  Patrick O'Sullivan even got into the action, getting some good chances, and clanging one off the post after beating the goalie.

In my humble opinion, the plays and players of the game included:
  1. Mathieu Garon... He demonstrated above average flexibility and fast reactions.  More importantly, he's been a steadying influence for the Kings because the players know that he'll make the saves.
  2. Anze Kopitar...  He patiently waited as a fluttering puck dropped below the crossbar before batting it into the net off the goalie.  He not only waited for the puck, but he choked up on the stick so that his hand was at the blade before batting it in.
  3. Brent Sopel... Not only was he steady on defense, he again contributed some good offense.  However, his play of the game had to have been his blindside hit on Dave Scatchard.  Just stepping out of the penalty box, Sopel spotted Scatchard skating right at him with his head down.  Sopel laid into him and knocked Scatchard silly.  The Coyotes forward had one of his gloves pop off as well as his helmet.  In fact, his helmet flew off and went about 20-30 feet away.  A great, clean, open-ice hit.
Finally, some Kings' fans are noticing a few interesting patterns in these first few games (other than the fact that Cloutier lets in at least one bad goal a game)...

  1. When Alexander Frolov scores, the Kings win.
  2. When Oleg Tverdovsky plays, the Kings win.

We hope Marc Crawford sees the same patterns, because he can do something about one of those two patterns...

]]> Kings Fri, 20 Oct 2006 05:21:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142392# The PodPiper No Kings Unable to Answer the Call of the Wild in Overtime http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142296# The Los Angeles Kings played their best game of the year, but it still wasn't good enough against the Minnesota Wild.  They played the Wild even for 60 minutes, but it only took a mere 25 seconds of overtime for Marian Gaborik to put the Kings back into their place.  All it took was a bad turn over by Sean Avery in the offensive zone, and Gaborik and the Wild notched another win.  The Wild remain undefeated in six games, and Los Angeles drops to 2-4-1.  The good news is that the Kings do eke out a point after this match.

The truth is, the Kings looked very good throughout most of the game, playing a hard-nosed game without making poor choices.  They generated great chances in several rushes, but just weren't able to capitalize on them.  Patrick O'Sullivan scored the lone goal for the Kings (his first career NHL goal).  That goal tied the game at 1-1.  Brian Rolston had scored a few minutes earlier for the Wild.

Although Anze Kopitar didn't score, he played a solid game, making some great plays, generating chances, and winning plenty of key face-offs.  It was actually a game of bests.  Craig Conroy was also very active offensively and won the majority of his face-offs as well.  O'Sullivan also played a very smart game, capitalizing on one of his many opportunities.

On defense, Brent Sopel also had a very good game, keeping Gaborik in check throughout regulation, and even single-handedly breaking up a partial break-away by the speedy forward.  Rob Blake, who has looked a little tight and nervous in the first few games, made great choices, and even saved the game by sweeping the puck to safety after it got behind Dan Cloutier.  Unfortunately, Blake was still unable to register his first point of the season.

Cloutier was decent.  He allowed only two goals, but both were soft ones yet again.  He faced 27 shots and turned away 25 of them.  Throughout the game, Cloutier actually looked solid on several good chances by the Wild, but his poor handling of a rebound led to Rolston's goal.  Cloutier's goaltending opponent, Manny Fernandez, made 34 of 35 saves and faced much more difficult scoring chances throught the game.

For the Kings, this may have been their fourth straight loss, but the point was well-deserved, and Los Angeles will look to build upon this effort tomorrow night against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Don't forget, our latest podcast, dedicated to William "Digital Bill" Douthett is available for download or playback on this page.
]]> Kings Thu, 19 Oct 2006 05:32:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142296# The PodPiper No Shane O'Brien's "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" Leads Ducks Over the Wings http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142289# How many young Anaheim Ducks' forwards play physically, have decent hands, and skate with energy?  Another one has made the team, and is making an impact.  Rookie Shane O'Brien registered a goal, assist, and fight (a Gordie Howe Hat Trick) in the Ducks' 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings.  In fact, O'Brien's power-play goal turned out to be the game-winner.

From beginning to end, the Ducks dominated the Wings, scoring three power-play goals and keeping the puck in the offensive zone for much of the game.  Detroit looked flat and barely broke the shut out with a goal by Tomas Kopecky.  The Ducks, on the other hand, outshot the Wings 31 to 22 and looked energized throughout.  Jean-Sebastien Giguere made 21 of 22 saves and looked sharp, only allowing a goal on a broken play.

Corey Perry and Chris Kunitz also added a goal and assist, and Ryan Getzlaf added another assist in the win.  The goal by Perry was especially revealing.  The Ducks looked like an adult team playing against kids, constantly using the cycle to create chances and keeping the puck in the offensive zone.  Without a defender on him, Perry lifted the puck easily over a fallen Dominik Hasek.  "The Dominator" ended the night with only 27 saves on 31 shots.

The Ducks improve to 4-0-2 and have yet to lose in regulation.
]]> Ducks Thu, 19 Oct 2006 05:10:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142289# The PodPiper No Dedicated to Digital Bill http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142202# The SoCal HockeyCast would like to acknowledge and remember Bill Douthett, AKA "Digital Bill" of the Wizards of Technology.  Digital Bill passed away recently.  For more information, or the chance to donate to help defray the costs of the funeral, please visit The Wizards of Technology.

The first full week is over in the NHL, and we give our thoughts on what some of the very early season disappointments and surprises are.  We give a big virtual raspberry to the decent teams that are struggling... like Ottawa, Carolina, Boston, Nashville, and Philadelphia.  At the same time, we give a huge huzzah to the teams that are doing better than expected... like Atlanta and Columbus.  We also laud the individuals who are making news around the league.

Our guest analyst, Genevieve, is present for the Ducks' Report.  This enhanced podcast can be viewed on the homepage or you can use iTunes (free for Mac or Windows) to enjoy the bookmarks, images, URL links, and audio.  If you have questions or comments, please send emails to technologyted@mac.com.
]]> podcasts Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:30:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142202# technologyted@mac.com 00:15:16 digital, bill, socal, hockey, cast, kings, ducks, hockey, ice, ted, lai, podpiper The PodPiper Clean Wings Soar Over Los Angeles http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142194# There was good and bad news at the Staples Center on Monday night: the bad news was that the Los Angeles Kings suffered another loss (their third in a row), but the good news was that the Kings played with more intensity and effort against the Detroit Red Wings.  It wasn't enough, as the Kings fell 3-1 to the Wings.  However, Los Angeles fans got to see quite a few improvements in this game.

For the majority of the game, the Kings actually played evenly with the Wings.  The lone goal for the Kings was scored by Sean Avery off of assists by Anze Kopitar and Aaron Miller.  Kopitar actually started the play in the defensive zone by controlling a puck, waiting patiently, and putting a perfect, stick-to-stick pass to Miller who was rushing up ice.  Miller, with speed, let rip a low, hard slapshot that Chris Osgood was able to block but unable to control.  both Avery and Kopitar crashed the net, and Avery was able to get his blade on the puck to shovel it in.  The Kings' 1-0 lead was enjoyable, but it didn't last long.

The Wings stormed back with three straight goals.  The first and third were essentially breakaways that were the result of defensive lapses for the Kings.  On the first one, Rob Blake made a poor choice during a 2-on-2 rush.  Although Mattias Norstrom had his man covered, Blake skated out of his way to lay a bone-crunching open ice hit on the Wings' Franzen.  Unfortunately, what could have been an inspiring play, turned sour for the Kings as Franzen was able to make the pass prior to the hit.  The Wings' blah blah was able to go in on Dan Cloutier alone and deke him enough to open the 5-hole where he scored.

Speaking of the 5-hole, Cloutier allowed all three goals between his legs.  Although he can't be blamed for the first and third goals, the second one, the go-ahead goal by Robert Lang, was scored at an extremely sharp angle.  The bad news is that this was yet another soft goal allowed by Cloutier.  The good news was that it didn't come on the first shot of the game!  Cloutier ended up with XX saves on XX shots while Osgood made XX of XX saves.

The Kings continue their rough homestand against the high-flying Minnesota Wild on October 18th.  This marks the return of ex-King star Pavol Demitra whom they traded for Patrick O'Sullivan and a 1st round pick.
]]> Kings Tue, 17 Oct 2006 19:24:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=142194# The PodPiper No Shootout Has Ducks Seeing Stars http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=141347# The Ducks of Anaheim were faced with the challenge of taking on one of the best teams in the league.  It's easy for them to walk all over teams like the Blues, Coyotes, and Kings, but what about one of the league's elite? After doing well in the first period, and coming out flat against the Dallas Stars in the second period, the Ducks rallied to tie the game in the waning seconds of regulation to push the undefeated Stars to overtime.  Unfortunately, the Ducks lost another shootout and dropped their second straight game. 

Starting goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, trying to maintain his fight for #1 status allowed two goals on 14 shots and was pulled in favor of Jean-Sebastien Giguere.  The move proved to be a good one by head coach Randy Carlyle as the Ducks' team responded with more inspired play.  They battled back with goals by Scott Niedermayer and Andy McDonald in the third period.  The final tally of regulation by McDonald tied the game with a mere 19 seconds left in the third period.

For the Ducks, one of the worst teams in the overtime period last season, it was a bad re-run of the other night against Mike Dunham and the Islanders, as Marty Turco and the Stars proved too tough.  Turco made a particularly good save on a slick move by Ryan Shannon, and the Stars only needed goals by Sergei Zubov and Jussi Jokinen.

In the end, the Ducks are probably proud of pulling out one point in a game that they weren't mentally prepared to take on, but they need to find a way to win those tough overtime games.  They'll have another chance to prove themselves against an elite team when they take on the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night.
]]> Ducks Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:17:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=141347# The PodPiper No Deja Vu at the Staples Center http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=140824# In the blink of an eye, the Kings were facing off against the Dallas Stars.  It was at the Staples Center.  They lost 4-1...  hey!  Wait a minute!  Didn't this just happen?

Playing in a homestand that featured a rare two-game match-up with the same team, the Kings were again dominated by the Stars, allowing three power play goals and losing the majority of individual battles for the puck.  However, there were a few differences in this game.  For example, Mathieu Garon was in goal instead of Dan Cloutier, the Kings didn't allow a goal on the very first shot, Michael Cammelleri scored the Kings' lone goal of the night (instead of Raitis Ivanans), and, unlike Thursday, the Kings actually came out and played hard at first.  The first ten minutes of the game were one of the Kings' few highlights of the night.  Although the Kings didn't score, they matched Dallas' intensity and looked much better than Thursday night.

Then the penalties started coming in.  With four penalties called on the Kings in a row, the Stars capitalized, scoring their first two goals.  The Kings couldn't seem to get any bodies into the right places to block the shots of Stephane Robidas.  They were late covering Brendan Morrow twice, leading to two goals.  The whole game was one big penalty-fest with 19 power play opportunities but the Kings only partook of the special teams party once.

There were a few bright moments for the Kings. They included a beautiful shot by Cammelleri, steady play by Lubomir Visnovsky (who made a beautiful behind-the-back pass on Cammelleri's goal), and the intensity of Scott Thornton (whose energy-line cycled well).  Garon wasn't spectacular, but he couldn't be faulted on any of the goals by Dallas.  There were several screens and deflections... and, ultimately, the Kings need to do a better job of playing team defense in front of him.

The Kings' home schedule doesn't get much easier as they take on the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night.
]]> Kings Sun, 15 Oct 2006 14:16:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=140824# The PodPiper No Dallas Overpowers the Kings http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=140395# When tough-guy Raitis Ivanans scores the only goal for the Kings in a game, you know that they're in trouble.  Taking a note from the Ducks' playbook, and skating without any urgency or passion, the Los Angeles Kings lost 4-1 to the Dallas Stars.  Virtually every battle in the corners was lost to the Stars.  Rookie-phenom Anze Kopitar was held off the scoresheet for the first time this young season.  Dan Cloutier, still trying to play himself into game shape, looked less-than-spectacular in allowing four goals on only 29 shots.

Stars goalie Marty Turco was superb, stopping 32 of 33 shots and making key saves during the few moments of semi-sustained pressure by the Kings.  Eric Lindros registered three assists and Brendan Morrow and Mike Modano (the captain and the ex-captain) both had one goal and one assist on the night.

The one bright spot for the Kings (other than the bad bounce that resulted in Ivanans' fluke goal) was the play of Patrick O'Sullivan who worked hard to get open and registered five shots on goal.  Kopitar, seemingly shadowed at every turn, ended up with only one shot on goal was a non-factor.

All in all, it was an effort to forget about... unless it inspires the Kings to play harder; and they will get a chance to show their mettle on Saturday in a re-match against the Stars at the Staples Center.
]]> Kings Fri, 13 Oct 2006 22:01:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=140395# The PodPiper No Ducks Fall to Lowly Islanders http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=140394# The Ducks of Anaheim were riding high... they'd won three straight games for their best start in history.  The New York Islanders, fresh off of a disappointing loss against the Los Angeles Kings the night before, were 0-3 for the season (their worst start in 35 years).  Logic would have dictated that it would be an easy win for the Ducks... however, hockey and parity meant that logic had nothing to do with the Ducks 5-4 loss in the shoot out to the Isles.

Leading 1-0 on a goal by Samuel Pahlsson in the first period, the Ducks were the ones with a sustained attack, out-shooting the Isles 17-5 in the first period alone.  Then the second period hit and the Ducks had already fallen asleep at the wheel.  Mike York, Trent Hunter, and Chris Simon scored within a 1:46 span of time and the Ducks were back on their heels.

Pahlsson scored his second goal of the game mid-way through the second period to pull within a goal of the Islanders and start the Ducks comeback... and come back they did.  The third period saw the Ducks out-shoot the Isles 21-7.  After power play goals by Chris Pronger and Corey Perry, the Ducks seemed to have taken control once again.  However, the Islanders, desperate for their first win of the year clawed back again, scoring with under four minutes to play.

After a scoreless overtime period, Mike York scored in the sixth round of the shootout to give the Islanders their first win of the season.  Perhaps the biggest hero of the night was Mike Dunham, the Isles' back-up goalie, who made 46 saves on 50 shots, and made several huge saves that kept the Islanders' hopes alive.

The Ducks can only hope that this was one bad game against an inspired lesser team instead of a portent of poor work ethic to come.
]]> Ducks Thu, 12 Oct 2006 21:39:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=140394# The PodPiper No Sopel Improves Game with Two Good Knees http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=139471# Los Angeles Kings continued their home stand against the New York Islanders and their 15-year-contract goalie, Rick DiPietro. Despite an up-and-down first period that saw some good offense and soft goals, the Kings overcame a hard-skating Islander team to win 4-2.

Brent Sopel, giving more evidence that two good knees are better than one, registered an assist to go along with his game-winning goal on one of the many power plays on the night. There were 19 total power plays for the game (12 for the Kings), and Sopel was willing to capitalize on the man-advantage.  Except for a huge mistake in the first period that resulted in a the Isles' second goal of the game, Sopel played a strong game and helped stimulate the offense.

Dan Cloutier looked rusty in the first period, failing to hug the post on the first goal and mis-judging the speed and movement on the second goal, but he got steadier as the game went on, shutting down the Isles for the final two periods.  In fact, he made some very solid stops in the third period to preserve the Kings' one goal lead.  In the end, it was a much better outing than Cloutier's first game against the Ducks... which essentially was his first game in a year after he missed the majority of the 2005-2006 season.

Michael Cammalleri, possibly the best forward on the ice in this game, added his second goal of the season with a quick wrist shot off of a fast rush.  Tom Kostopoulos, playing in his first game of the season also added a goal.  Kostopoulos' goal came off of a superior cycle with tons of pressure that broke down the Islander's defense.  It was a great example of creating chances with hard work.  Alexander Frolov rounded out the scoring for the Kings, converting another power play goal with less than a minute left in the third period.

Another impressive King was Oleg Tverdovsky who registered two more assists and made some outlet passes that resulted in good opportunities for the Kings.  Rookie phenom, Anze Kopitar was more tightly checked and didn't seem to find as many openings, but he still was able to get an assist in the end.

For a team that was supposed to be struggling offensively, the Kings have been scoring by committee and have 11 goals in three games. Although it is only three games in, they don't look like a team that has been chosen to finish near the bottom of the standings.  Of course, rank in the standings can change quickly and drastically... as the Kings found out in the second half of last season... but it's important for their confidence to begin the season with strong effort.

The Kings continue their current homestand on Thursday against the Dallas Stars and new captain Brendan Morrow.
]]> Kings Wed, 11 Oct 2006 05:34:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=139471# The PodPiper No Kunitz and Giguere Keep St. Louis Blue http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=139126# Three games... three victories.  Because so many hockey prognosticators picked the Ducks to be among the leaders in the NHL, their fast start isn't necessarily suprising.  However, what is surprising is the fact that the starting goalie for two of those victories was Jean-Sebastien Giguere who struggled for much of last season.  Giguere apparently has put the injuries and confidence issues behind him.  For the second straight game, he looked extremely strong in net, stopping all 34 shots he faced in leading the Ducks to a 2-0 shut out of the St. Louis Blues.

Chris Kunitz supplied all the offense the Ducks required, scoring two power play goals from within spitting distance of Curtis Sanford, the Blues' goalie.  Not blessed with the hulking size of Dustin Penner, Kunitz plants himself like a young Dino Ciccarelli.  His timely goals and Giguere's equally timely saves have helped the Anaheim Ducks to their fastest start in their history.

Not willing to concede the #1 goalie status to youngster Ilya Bryzgalov, Giguere is healthy, confident, and looking great.  The win was his 22nd career shut out.

For the Blues, this represented their third straight loss and 12 straight road loss dating back to last season.  Except for the second period, they looked out of step and tired.  Keith Tkachuk, a perennial star, was noticeably absent with his involvement.  He has one assist in their first three games.  If the Blues are to avoid being the worst team in the league, they need him to wake up!

For the Ducks, they just need to continue doing all the little things right.  The league and press expect them to.
]]> Ducks Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:40:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=139126# The PodPiper No Kings Rebound in Home Opener Against Blues http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=138363# Coming off of a tough but predictable loss against the Ducks, the Los Angeles Kings beat the St. Louis Blues 4-1 at the Staples Center.  Apparently, Mathieu Garon is unwilling to concede the #1 goalie status to newcomer Dan Cloutier.  Garon came up big, stopping 35 of 36 shots and looking very positionally sound between the pipes.

Much criticized for his lack of willingness to shoot the puck more, Alexander Frolov registered three shots on goal and ended the night with one assist to go along with his game-winning goal.  Patrick O'Sullivan, the key player in the Demitra trade registered his first NHL point with an assist on the game-winner.  Lubomir Visnovsky, Brent Sopel, and Michael Cammalleri each had a goal for the night.  Cammalleri's goal was a beautiful one-timer from an extremely sharp angle that seemed to find the smallest hole left open by Manny Legace.

The Blues Martin Rucinsky netted the lone goal for the Blues in the second period... a period in which St. Louis out-shot the Kings 19-8, but the Kings ended up leading 2-1 in that period.

On a side note, this was also the first game for Oleg Tverdovsky in a Kings' uniform.  He had a number of fine outlet passes that resulted in good chances for the forwards.

Perhaps the biggest story of the night was the rookie superstar-in-the-making, Anze Kopitar.  After netting two goals in the loss to the Ducks, Kopitar was held off the goal sheet against the Blues, but ended up with three assists (including one on Frolov's game-winner). He was constantly skating hard and creating chances throughout the night.  A great example of that was his assist on the Sopel goal.  After beating the defense, Kopitar got in too far and passed Legace.  Somehow, knowing where Sopel was, he whipped a quick pass back for an easy tip in.  The bad news for Kopitar is that he is not on pace to score 164 goals on the season anymore.  However, with two goals and three assists after two games, he is on pace to score 82 goals, 103 assists, and 205 points for the season... which he probably won't get, but it's fun to think about his potential impact!  Definitely the real deal!

The Kings continue their homestand on Tuesday against the New York Islanders.
]]> Kings Sun, 8 Oct 2006 11:12:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=138363# Technology Ted No Ducks Win Second Game in a Row http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=138266# The Ducks of Anaheim may have lost the adjective "mighty," but the players don't seem to have noticed.  Playing in their second game in as many nights, the Ducks shrugged off any fatigue and came out strong against the Phoenix Coyotes, winning 2-1 off of a pair of power play goals by Teemu Selanne and Dustin Penner.

For the second night in a row, the Ducks were outshot by their opponent, but this time Ilya Bryzgalov was up to the task, limiting the lone goal to defenseman Zbynek Michalek.  Bryzgalov ended the night with 34 saves... not as many as Giguere the night before, but more than enough to be a huge factor in the win.

Big things are expected of the hulking Penner who had three goals, six assists, and nine points during last season's playoff run.  Still considered a rookie this year because he only played in 19 regular season games, his size, skill, and work ethic are a portent of good things to come.

The Ducks continue their season Monday agains the St. Louis Blues.
]]> Ducks Sun, 8 Oct 2006 02:38:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=138266# Technology Ted No Kopitar Makes a Big Impression in Opener http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=138239# The Los Angeles Kings opened strong against the Anaheim Ducks. In the first two periods, they even outshot the Ducks 36-19, but the superior offense of the Ducks eventually wore away the Kings.  Anaheim won 4-3, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere stood tall in net ending the night with 41 saves.  Chris Kunitz was the offensive hero for the Ducks, getting an assist on the game-tying goal and scoring the eventual game-winner.

The loss for the Kings wasn't all bad news.  They played even with the Ducks (a pre-season favorite to win the Stanley Cup) for about fifty minutes, and rookie phenom Anze Kopitar scored two goals.  His first goal made Chris Pronger look downright silly.  Although the Kings are predicted to end near the bottom of the standings, their future looks bright if they can build a solid team around a potential superstar.

Corey Perry, Andy McDonald, and Ryan Getzlaf rounded out the scoring fo the Ducks while Lubomir Visnovsky netted the Kings' only other goal.  The game was fast-paced, but seemed to have some fits and starts as new head coach Marc Crawford tinkered with the different line combinations throughout the game.  One thing was apparent, no matter whom he was placed with, Kopitar's line seemed to produce the best pressure.

The Kings and Ducks continue their schedule tonight against the Blues and Coyotes.
]]> Kings Sat, 7 Oct 2006 14:49:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=138239# Technology Ted No The Drop of the Puck Means it's SoCal HockeyCast Time! http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=137467# Like the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano, the SoCal HockeyCast team returns with the drop of the puck, because that means it's Hockey Time! However, we didn't just take the summer off, the SoCal HockeyCast team followed all the news around the league for the past few months (especially the Kings and Ducks).  We also sought out some hockey during the "off-season" to keep active in the hockey scene. Zoe, Genevieve, and I were able to see a great tournament at the Anaheim Ice during Labor Day Weekend.  The Early Bird Tournament was a lot of fun.  Hear what the girls had to say about it.

Zoe and Genevieve also give their updates on the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks (they are "Mighty" no more, but ironically they're even mightier than last year). Finally, I salute the Hurricanes, pine over the retiring players, and take aim with the Islanders.

As always, this is an enhanced podcast, it can be enjoyed on the Libsyn site or with iTunes or QuickTime.  Both iTunes and QuickTime are free for Windows and Mac users.  As always, you can email questions and comments to technologyted@mac.com.  Our phone is disconnected, so no more calls for now!  Enjoy the podcast!
]]> podcasts Wed, 4 Oct 2006 21:09:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=137467# technologyted@mac.com 00:12:23 hockey, socal, hockeycast, ted, podpiper, zoe, genevieve, techsavvygirlz, kings, ducks, NHL Technology Ted Clean Ducks Lose Close One to Oilers http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=92693# The Ducks didn't come out flat.  Not really.  They didn't blow away the Oilers either.  Where Calgary and Colorado appeared hapless and helpless at times, allowing the Ducks to dictate the pace of the game, the Oilers came out and matched Anaheim with equal speed, intensity, and goaltending... actually, Dwayne Roloson may have even out-played Ilya Bryzgalov (and when has that been the case this playoff year?).  Roloson made 30 saves to Bryzgalov's 23, and the Oilers won 3-1.

Anaheim really didn't do anything wrong, but they just weren't as perfect as they had been against the Avs and Flames.  Although they out-shot the Oilers, the majority of their shots were from far range and came through without any traffic in front of the net.  Bryzgalov wasn't to blame in anyway.  He kept the Ducks in the game.  The two goals that he allowed were ones that were nearly unstoppable.  It was the offense that could have done better.

Except for a goal by Andy McDonald to tie the game at one apiece, the Ducks didn't cash in on any other offense.  The Ducks have what it takes to match the Oilers... it's just a matter of execution.  They hope to tie the series at one game apiece on Sunday night.
]]> sports Sat, 20 May 2006 16:43:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=92693# Technology Ted No Western Conference Teams Set http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=91783# The wait for the Ducks is finally over!  The Edmonton Oilers prevailed in their second round series against the San Jose Sharks.  Using a blend of speed, quality goaltending, solid defense, key contributions from veteran and younger players, and heavy hitting, the Oilers beat the Sharks 6-0 to wrap up the series four games to two.  Edmonton dropped the first two games in San Jose before winning the next four straight.

If Edmonton's secret to success sounds familiar to Ducks' fans, that's because these are the same qualities that have helped propel Anaheim into the Western Conference Finals.  The Ducks will have been off for over a week, but they have vowed that they won't be rusty.  Although Randy Carlyle has been putting the team through intense workouts, playing in "game" mode is always different.

This will be an interesting series because it pits two of the hottest teams against each other, and both have peaked well, upsetting teams in the playoffs with better records.  The Ducks maintain home ice advantage over the Oilers who finished 8th in the Western Conference.  Both teams match-up well in terms of speed, but the Ducks have had more depth in their line-up and the hotter goalie.

Ilya Bryzgalov hopes to continue his spectacular play... and he'll need to for the Ducks to outlast Edmonton.  Anaheim will also need the same balanced scoring they received from their top three lines.  One of the best match-ups will be on the blueline.  It'll be interesting to see who can control the game more effectively, Chris Pronger or Scott Niedermayer.

One thing is for sure, the wait is over and the Ducks are ready and raring to go.  Game 1 will be in Anaheim on Friday.
]]> sports Thu, 18 May 2006 14:35:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=91783# Technology Ted No Ducks Complete Lopsided Sweep of Avs http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=89712# The Mighty Ducks hockey machine completed their convincing display of teamwork with a sweep of the Avalanche 4-1.  It was an interesting game because the Avs looked like they were doing almost everything right.  They came out with passion, determination, and, most importantly, desperation... and they scored the first goal of the game within the first three minutes of the opening period, but the Ducks were patient, got amazing goaltending, and made the most of every opportunity they had when the Colorado defense made mistakes (and if you're name's Patrice Brisebois, then that seemed constant the whole night long).

The line of Joffrey Lupul (1 assist), Dustin Penner (1 goal and 1 assist), and Todd Marchant (2 goals and 1 assist) continued their dominance of the Avalanche, and Teemu Selanne even chipped in the game-winning goal.  The "LuMP" line ended up with a combined nine goals and ten assists in the four-game sweep... more than double the goal output the entire Colorado team was able to muster.

The Avalanche strategy was simple: put bodies in front of the net, get lots of shots on goal, and work for quality rebounds.  They did all of that, out-shooting the Ducks 41-33, but Ilya Bryzgalov was brilliant.  He made great saves and led the Ducks to the victory.  His 0.87 GAA and .967 SP are the tops in the playoffs for goalies who have played more than one full game.  Those scintillating numbers are remarkable considering the fact that he was supposed to be the bench warmer to Giguere.  Without Bryzgalov's steady and often amazing play, the Ducks would not have gotten this far.

In a neat twist of fate or irony, the Ducks, who had the longest of the first round series, had the shortest series of the second round.  They get to wait and rest up before the Western Conference Finals against either San Jose or Edmonton.  Finally!  A well-deserved break.
]]> sports Fri, 12 May 2006 15:43:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=89712# Technology Ted No Lupul is Mighty Big Hero http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=89338# The Avalanche came to play in game three... at least partially... and they made their match against the Mighty Ducks a little closer.  Unfortunately for them, the result was still the same... a loss.  On the strength of four goals by Joffrey Lupul, the Mighty Ducks won 4-3 in overtime at Colorado.  This puts the Avalanche on the brink of elimination with little hopes of coming back and making it to the Western Conference Finals.

By throwing lots of bodies in front of the net, the Avalanche were able to prove that Ilya Bryzgalov is human, but their inconsistent team defense allowed the Ducks to come back and continue to dominate the offensive end.  Anaheim outshot Colorado 39-29 for the game.  Although this was a better showing for the Avs, the Ducks continued to play a tight game with much more consistent passion.  Especially in overtime, when the Ducks outshot the Avalanche 12-5, it seemed that the Colorado players were unable match Anaheim's intensity.

If Lupul was the hero, then his sidekick (a very BIG sidekick) was Dustin Penner who had three assists.  Penner has been huge this series (offensively, defensively, and physically).  At 6'4" and 245 pounds, Penner is one of the bigger forwards on the Ducks' squad.  He has played a superb series, making some big hits and playing sound defense to help stop Colorado's big line.  His four assists and +5 rating in three games displays his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice.

Bryzgalov's streak was ended at three shutouts in a row and almost 250 minutes without allowing a goal (second all-time).  Perhaps the more important streak is "31."  That's the amount of penalties that the Ducks squad have killed off in this series.

The outlook is bleak for the Avalanche, especially if their power play continues to flounder under Anaheim's intense pressure, but the series isn't over until Anaheim wins four.  However, the Ducks haven't taken any of the games lightly.  Game four continues on Thursday night in Denver with the Ducks hungry to make the Conference Finals for the first time since their run in 2003.


]]> sports Thu, 11 May 2006 00:23:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=89338# Technology Ted No Live From the Artwalk http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=88394# The SoCal HockeyCast crew had the honor of being one of the featured podcasters at the Spring Artwalk at the Brewery on May 23rd.  We were recording in front of a live audience at the LA Podcasters Studio.  It was a lot of fun, but I think our analysts, Zoe and Genevieve, were a bit tongue-tied and twisted when it came to speaking in front of other people!  However, we thought we should still post this for posterity.

This enhanced Podcast is a bonus episode where we talk about our take on why the Kings didn't make the playoffs.

We'll also have our regularly scheduled Podcast on the playoff action up soon as well, so enjoy this little gift.  As always, you can contact us at technologyted@mac.com or by calling 206-337-1885.
]]> podcasts Mon, 8 May 2006 20:53:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=88394# technologyted@mac.com 00:04:56 LA, los angeles, artwalk, spring, brewery, socal, hockey, ted Technology Ted Clean Ducks "Bryz" to Another Shutout Victory http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=88262# Ilya Bryzgalov was "McCool" as ice as he recorded his third straight shutout to help lead the Ducks to a 3-0 victory over the visiting Colorado Avalanche.  With the win, Bryzgalov tied Frank McCool for the record of three consecutive shutouts by a rookie set in 1945.  He's now had 229 minutes and 42 seconds without allowing a goal, fourth best ever, and longest among rookie goalies.

Although Bryzgalov was great in goal, he rarely had to make spectacular saves... that's how good the rest of the team was in front of him.  After the game, he acknowledged that it was a team effort.  The Ducks allowed only 22 shots on goal (10 in the first two periods).  They allowed very few second chances to the Colorado forwards and out-worked and out-skated the Avalanche yet again.  However, that said, Bryzgalov did make some key saves to preserve the shutout.  None more so than the point blank save on Alex Tanguay that the Duck goalie reached back to nab with a quick glove hand.

Ryan Getzlaf's power play goal was the game-winner, and Ruslan Salei and Joffrey Lupul added two more in the second period.  Two of the best forwards for the Ducks were Dustin Penner and Todd Marchant.  Penner made some big hits, skated well, and gathered an assist with a great no-look pass to Lupul while digging the puck out along the boards.  Marchant helped contain the Avalanche's big line while collecting two assists.

Avalanche goalie Jose Theodore played a very good game.  However, he faced 35 Duck shots for the game.  His own team managed a mere 22 shots on goal in the loss.  None of the three goals allowed can be pinned on Theodore's play, and many of the Avalanche players expressed the fact that they need to step-up their game to compete with the Ducks.

The key for the Ducks will be to continue their intense play in game three at Colorado on Tuesday night.  Although the Ducks made few (if any) errors in game two, and they'll be hard-pressed to repeat such a perfect performance, Anaheim has proven that they can beat anyone if they skate well, hit hard, and take advantage of the opposing team's breakdowns.
]]> sports Mon, 8 May 2006 02:17:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=88262# Technology Ted No Ducks Stifle Avalanche Offense in Game One http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=87614# Although the Mighty Ducks had the better regular season record, garnering home ice with it, there were many factors that actually put Anaheim at the disadvantage against the Avalanche...
  1. The Ducks played a hard fought seven-game series against the Flames.
  2. The Avalanche have been able to rest after beating the Dallas Stars in five games.
  3. The Ducks easily beat the Flames 3-0 in the final match, which often results in a let-down the next game.
  4. The Avalanche have more offensive depth than the Flames.
  5. Jose Theodore, the Avalanche goalie and former Vezina Trophy winner, has been looking better and better.
  6. The Ducks have had consistency issues all season long.
  7. The Avalanche are former Stanley Cup winners and are led by future hall-of-famers Joe Sakic and Rob Blake.
Well, it turned out that the Avalanche were never able to shake off the rust from sitting around, and the Ducks easily beat them 5-0 to open the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  It wasn't just a beating, it was an embarrassment for Colorado.

Teemu Selanne welcomed his former team to Anaheim by registering a goal and two assists in a big second period, but the Ducks only needed Sammi Pahlsson's opening goal at 2:48 of the second period.  Francois Beauchemin (two assists) and Chris Kunitz (one goal, one assist) also enjoyed multiple-point games, and Anaheim got contributions by Joffrey Lupul and Travis Moen.  The rookie Beachemin also played a solid defensive game and logged the most minutes of any player on either team.  His value to the Ducks seems to increase with each game.

Both Jose Theodore and Ilya Bryzgalov recorded 29 saves... however, the Colorado goalie faced 34 shots.  This marks the third straight win for rookie goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and second consecutive shutout for him in these playoffs.  The record of three straight shutouts by a rookie goalie is held by Frank McCool of the Toronto Maple Leafs from back in 1945.

The Ducks out-worked and out-played the Avalanche in all aspects of the game.  It seemed like a repeat of the final game against the Flames.  However, the Ducks need to be careful.  The Avalanche have something that Calgary didn't... an abundance of offensive talent.  Sakic, Tanguay, Hejduk, Konowalchuk, Brunette, and Blake can all contribute offensively, and when he's on his "A" game, Theodore is tough to beat.  That said, Colorado should be wary of the Ducks who have been flying high with balanced offense, sound team defense, and stellar goaltending.

Game two continues at the Pond on Sunday afternoon 12 PM PST.  Quack!
]]> sports Sat, 6 May 2006 18:30:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=87614# Technology Ted No Ducks Join "Fantastic Four" Underdogs and Declare "Flame Off" http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=87029# A picture is worth a thousand words.  The image of Ilya Bryzgalov making a save on Jarome Iginla tells it all.  The Ducks pulled off a monumental upset by going up to Calgary and embarrassing the Flames 3-0 in front of a sold-out home crowd.  In the wild Western Conference, the upset probably doesn't come as a surprise, but it's a win for a team that many counted out of the playoffs in January.  Instead, riding on the shoulders of their "back-up" goalie, the Ducks are moving onto the second round and facing off against the Colorado Avalanche.

Miikka Kiprusoff, a front-runner for the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goalie, was very good, stopping 29 of 31 shots.  However, the rest of the Flames came out flat, lacked determination, and left him to defend for himself.  On the opposite side, the Ducks came out flying, setting the tone for the entire game and limiting the Flames to only 22 shots on goal.  The Flames only managed three shots on goal in the second period and never mounted a serious attack.

The Ducks played a controlled, disciplined game, only giving the potent Flame power play four man-advantages for the entire night.  As with many of the games in this series, the Ducks got scoring from several sources.  All-star Teemu Selanne had a goal, defensive blueliner Ruslan Salei added the second, and new addition Jeff Friesen put in an empty-netter.

The series ended on a very low note for the entire Flames squad, but perhaps the player who felt the worst was Kiprusoff who couldn't pull off a miracle without any help.  The Calgary defense, a strong point through the season, looked rattled and out of position.  Turnovers and lack of coverage led to the first two goals.  Dion Phaneuf was on the ice for all three goals by the Ducks.  His defensive partner, Roman Hamrlik was on the ice for two of the goals, and made a bad clearing pass that led to the second goal.

The Ducks' second round match-up against the surging Colorado Avalanche will begin on Friday night in Anaheim... a switch for the Ducks who are now the "favored" team as decided by regular season records. (Thanks to Alexia for pointing out my error)!
]]> sports Thu, 4 May 2006 17:26:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=87029# Technology Ted No Ducks Force Game Seven http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=86624# Except for the 5-2 drubbing the Ducks took in Game 3, all the matches in this first round have been decided by one goal... so it wasn't much of a surprise that the Ducks won by a score of 2-1.  Ilya Bryzgalov was the hero of the day, out-dueling Miikka Kiprusoff for the win.  As I stated in the last podcast (out now, if you haven't downloaded it), if the Ducks played gritty, they win the game... they played a great game with grit and speed, and they've now evened the series at three games apiece.

His efforts weren't without help.  The entired Ducks team played a stellar game, skating with speed and determination.  Although Jarome Iginla tried to set the tone with a fight at the beginning of the game against Francois Beauchemin and charging and roughing penalties at the end, it was all Ducks in between that.  They out-shot the Flames 30-22 and limited them to a mere six shots on goal in the second period... ironically, the Ducks only had three shots in that period, but scored on one of them.

It was a team effort through and through.  After Stephane Yelle opened the scoring for Calgary, Teemu Selanne scored the game-tying goal... twice.  The first one was waved off by referee Koharski because of a perceived goalie interference.  Replays showed that the contact with Kiprusoff didn't happen until after the puck went in and out of the net.  The second time Selanne scored was off of a great pass by Andy McDonald, and this one counted.

The game-winning goal was a beautiful one by Scott Niedermayer.  Fighting his way to a rebound in front of the net, Niedermayer didn't shoot from four feet away.  Instead, sensing that Kiprusoff was ready for the shot, he quickly skated around and behind the net, sending a shot/pass to the front.  A sliding Rhett Warrener banked it into his own goal, and the Ducks were up 2-1 with a less than six minutes to play.

Bryzgalov shut the door, and the Ducks ended up with a win.  It looks like Randy Carlyle made the right choice for starting goalie!  Bryzgalov now has a 1.08 goals against average and .958 save percentage... second only to Martin Brodeur.

The Ducks go up to Calgary to play the crucial seventh game of the series on Wednesday night.  This is the final match that needs to be played out in the first round.  If the current trend in the Western Conference continues, then the Ducks should beat the Flames.  The other three series in the West have ended in upset with the Oilers, Avalanche, and Sharks beating their opponents with better records.
]]> sports Wed, 3 May 2006 02:22:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=86624# Technology Ted No Sharks, Devils, Senators, & Avalanche, Oh My! http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=86117# The SoCal HockeyCast returns with coverage of the 2006 NHL Playoffs!  In this episode, our enhanced podcast reports on the big upsets in this year's playoffs so far.  The Kings didn't make it, but we still cover hockey from our unique Southern California perspective.  We also give the Ducks' Report in their first round series against the Calgary Flames.

We break down the match-ups that have completed so far and give our thoughts on what built the first four winners.  If you have any questions or comments, please email us at technologyted@mac.com or call us at 206-337-1885.


]]> podcasts Tue, 2 May 2006 02:51:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=86117# technologyted@mac.com 00:12:16 hockey, ducks, senators, lightning, flames, devils, rangers, sharks, predators, Technology Ted Clean Flames on Brink of Knocking Out Ducks http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=86018# The pattern of going back and forth with losses and wins continued on Saturday night as the Ducks lost to the Flames 3-2.  Stymied by Miikka Kiprusoff in the first two periods, Anaheim spotted Calgary a 3-0 lead before finally responding.  Unfortunately, it was a case of too little too late as their rally fell short.

Anaheim's two third period goals came from Andy McDonald and Rob Niedermayer, but it wasn't enough to overcome two goals by Jarome Iginla and another from Tony Amonte.

Kiprusoff was very good, stopping 26-of-28 shots.  Jean-Sebastien Giguere was very ordinary, stopping only 5-of-8 before getting pulled early in the second period.  Ilya Bryzgalov played very well, stopping all 19 shots he faced.  His stats have been superb, raising a small dilemma for Randy Carlyle and his goalie choice for the sixth (and possibly final) game.  Giguere has had very mediocre statistics while Bryzgalov has been more than solid.

The Ducks will try to stave off elimination on Monday night.
]]> sports Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:19:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=86018# Technology Ted No Ducks Even Series at 2-2 http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=85808# The Mighty Ducks produced another mighty big win to even the series at two games apiece.  In a critical game against their first round opponent, the Calgary Flames, the Ducks grinded out a 3-2 win in overtime.  Sean O'Donnell was the unlikely offensive hero, blasting a huge slapshot past a screened Miikka Kiprusoff.

With two goals this season (and only 23 in almost 800 career games), O'Donnell is definitely much better known for his defensive, gritty play.  However, the playoffs always produce unlikely heroes.

Up 2-0 on goals by Teemu Selanne and Ryan Getzlaf, the Ducks were put on their heels by two quick goals by Jarome Iginla in the third period.  With the game tied after regulation, the stage was set for "Odie," as his teammates call him.

Kiprusoff (27 saves) and Jean-Sebastien Giguere (25 saves) were both solid in this game, but neither were as spectacular as some of the previous contests.  Perhaps the best news for the Ducks was the much-improved penalty killing job they did, blanking the Flames on all six attempts.

Another continued surprise was the play of rookie phenom Dion Phaneuf who registered another -2 for the game.  He and his defensive partner, Roman Hamrlik are a combined -12 in the first four games of this series.

The critical game 5 continues on Saturday night.
]]> sports Fri, 28 Apr 2006 17:07:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=85808# Technology Ted No Ducks Roasted by Flames' Power Play http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=84219# After losing the first game, the Ducks said all the right things... that it was only one game... that they didn't expect to sweep the Flames up in Calgary.  They also did the right things... they came back and played a gritty, inspired second game to tie the series... they had tight defense... they scored timely goals.  Conventional wisdom would think that Anaheim would come back with a similar effort on Tuesday night at home.  Unfortunately, they didn't.  Instead, they played even for about half the game, then disappeared for the rest, losing 5-2.  The loss puts them down 1-2 in the series against Calgary.

The Flames scored three power play goals for the game, giving them five goals with the man-advantage in the last two games.  On paper, the Ducks outshot the Flames for the game, but once again Miikka Kiprusoff displayed why he's one of the best, if not the best, goalie in the league.  The Calgary defense also cleared away all rebounds and rarely let the Ducks have a second chance at any loose puck.

Francois Beauchemin, the rookie defenseman acquired in the Fedorov trade, scored two power play goals for the Ducks, but the rest of the team was unable to solve the puzzle of Kiprusoff.  Jean-Sebastien Giguere faced 24 shots and only saved 19 of those.  After the game, he said that he needed to play better.  That may be true, but the same could be said for the whole Ducks team.

Five different players scored for the Flames, and none of them were named Iginla.  Some of Calgary's scoring highlights included Chuck Kobasew notching the game-winner, Robyn Regehr getting a goal and an assist, playoff veteran Darren McCarty scoring his second goal of the series, and Florida cast-off Kristian Huselius getting a goal and two assists.

The two teams continue their hard fought series on Thursday in Anaheim.
]]> sports Wed, 26 Apr 2006 15:27:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=84219# Technology Ted No Niedermayer Helps Ducks Soar http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=84227#
Each game of the playoffs will be a battle.  This much appears true.  There have been surprises though.  Last night's surprise was that the Calgary Flames' Miikka Kiprusoff is human.  That's the only way to describe a night where he allowed four goals on 20 shots in a 4-3 loss to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.  With the win, the Ducks tied the series 1-1.

Scott Niedermayer elevated his game and contributed offensively as well as defensively.  In the first game, he was solid in his own end, but failed to make much of an impression on the scoreboard.  In game two, he controlled much of the play when he was on the ice and was particularly brilliant on a shorthanded goal scored in the first period.  After an amazing defensive play where he stole the puck, he raced in alone to score on Kiprusoff.

The Ducks also got goals from Chris Kunitz, Joffrey Lupul, and Samuel Pahlsson.  They opened the game with inspired play and jumped out to a 3-0 lead.  The Flames battled back but were unable to tie the game.  Pahlsson's goal became the eventual game-winner when Dion Phaneuf scored a power play goal with less than five minutes to play.

Jarome Iginla and Kristian Huselius also scored for the Flames who seemed to wake-up in the second half of the game.  Perhaps the bigger story in Calgary is the play of Roman Hamrlik and Dion Phaneuf who were a combined -7 on the night.  For the series, they are a combined -9.  Phaneuf looked tentative for the second straight night, but veteran Hamrlik didn't look any better.  This was no more apparent than the power play where the Flames did score two goals, but ended up 2-for-13 on the night.  However, the Ducks were worse at 0-for-6 with the man-advantage.

The Ducks hope to continue their improved work ethic at the Pond on Tuesday night for game three.  It's now a best-of-five series.
]]> sports Mon, 24 Apr 2006 16:04:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=84227# Technology Ted No Ducks Lose Opener http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=84224# This wasn't how the Ducks imagined their first game of the playoffs: Jean-Sebastien Giguere a late scratch, their top line neutralized, the star rookies playing like... rookies.  Game one went to overtime where Darren McCarty (of three Stanley Cup Rings fame) scored the game-winner 9:45 into the sudden death period.

Ilya Bryzgalov, getting a surprise start after Giguere opted out with a "lower body injury," played very well (as he has all year), stopping 28 of 30 shots.  However, the real goalie issue for the ducks was Miikka Kiprusoff who made 33 saves on 34 shots.  Kiprusoff was brilliant, and this was no more evident than in the second period when the Flames were outshot 15 to 7.

Jeff Friesen, a deadline acquisition bomb thus far, scored the lone goal for the Ducks.  The Flames answered with goals by Tony Amonte and McCarty.

Star rookie, Dion Phaneuf hardly shined in this opener, but neither did any of the other stars like Selanne, Iginla, and Niedermayer.  The tight, defensive game still had plenty of offensive rushes, but Scott Nidermayer was unable to take charge as he has so many times in this season.

Game two of the series will be played in Calgary on Sunday.
]]> sports Sat, 22 Apr 2006 15:50:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=84224# Technology Ted No Kings Win Final Game of Season http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=81447# It may have seemed like a meaningless game, but the Kings 3-0 shutout  against the Sharks had plenty of importance when analyzed closely.  Many puzzles were solved in the final games of the season including the following:

Question: How do you get Jeremy Roenick to produce?
Answer: Break his ankle and put him on the ice when you're out of the playoffs.  His three points in two wins were what the Kings needed consistently throughout the season.

Question: What can be done to make the special teams click?
Answer: Miss the playoffs.  Their dreadful power play and even worse penalty killing were amazing in the final two games.  They killed off all ten disadvantages they had, scored two power play goals, and even netted a shorthanded goal.  In the game against Calgary, they even killed off a two-man advantage and looked good doing it.

Question: Who's the number one goal?
Answer: Okay... this one wasn't answered.  Jason LaBarbera was excellent at the beginning of the season, winning his first five starts with a 1.40 GAA and .947 save percentage.  He ended the season with two wins, a 0.50 GAA, one shutout, and a .986 save percentage.  Unfortunately, the rest of the season was pretty bad for him.  Meanwhile, Mathieu Garon ran hot and cold throughout the season, starting slowly, but winning 31 games and getting honored with the December Defensive Player of the Month Award.  However, he ended up with a mediocre 3.22 GAA and very average .894 save percentage.  Do the Kings chalk this up to inexperience?  Or do you they go out and find a true #1 goalie who's established?  Tough call.  Look at Christobal Huet right now.

Question: How do you get the Kings to play with passion?
Answer: Send Sean Avery home.  Yes, he has skill.  Yes, he plays with passion.  Yes, he can be a good team player.  However, his selfish, me-first, attention-gathering choices and attitude distracted the team... oh, and I guess the idea of playing for Luc Robitaille helped too!

Question: What will happen to Dave Taylor?
Answer: Sorry... this one is hard to answer too.  However, the final two games and many of the games before show that he did assemble a team that can compete.  Teams don't make it to first in a division by mid-year through flukes.  They get there through talent and hard work.  The fact that the Kings collapsed might have to do with chemistry or coaching or any of a dozen other factors.  The final two games weren't meaningless when you think about how damaging it would have been to lose six straight games to end the season instead of winning two straight.  It's not Taylor's fault the Kings collapsed at the end of the season for two years.  At the same time, it's not 100% Andy Murray's fault either.  In the end, it's a combination of the players, the injuries, and the motivational techniques used by Murray.  Most of Dave Taylor's transactions weren't that bad.  No homeruns, but nothing that shows he's incompetent... no Mel Bridgeman-esque things going on.  There was no way that Taylor could have predicted that Anson Carter and Mark Parrish would be duds at the trade deadline.  I could go on, but that'll be saved for another time.

Question: What's a good way to honor Luc Robitaille if you're out of the playoffs?
Answer: Win two games to end the season and play with the intensity that he brought to the game.

Note:  Our next Podcast focuses on the end of the season, so we're delaying it a little more.  Thanks for you patience!
]]> sports Tue, 18 Apr 2006 15:27:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=81447# Technology Ted No Ducks Recover a Little Steam http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=81438# The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim recovered a little bit of their momentum by closing out the regular season with a hard fought 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames... their first round opponents in the playoffs.  This was the Duck's first win after a three-game losing streak.  Anaheim's effective blend of youth and experience provided the scoring once again, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere was solid in net, stopping 29-of-32 shots.

The Ducks got multi-point games from Chris Kunitz (1 goal and 2 assists), Ryan Getzlaf (3 assists), and Andy McDonald (1 goal and 1 assist).  Corey Perry and Teemu Selanne also scored goals for the Ducks.  Selanne's goal was his 40th of the season.  Quite a rebound from his not-so-sweet 16 he scored last NHL season in Colorado.

The penalty-filled game was a pre-cursor to the opening round of the playoffs that will begin in Calgary.  In all, there were a combined 22 man-advantages in the game.  The Flames, so hot in the stretch run, have now lost two straight games.  Although both games were meaningless in the standings, they probably didn't want to enter the "real season" with a losing streak.
]]> sports Tue, 18 Apr 2006 01:15:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=81438# Technology Ted No Kings Honor Luc with a Win http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=81117# This isn't necessarily the way the Kings wanted Luc Robitaille's Los Angeles career to end - out of the playoffs and playing only for pride - but the 2-1 win over the Flames wasn't without some positives.  The Kings continued to dominate the shootout, Jason LaBarbera proved that he can make some big saves, Los Angeles didn't fold after San Jose tied the score, and the Kings played some inspired hocky.

Now 6 and 1 in the sudden death shootout, Los Angeles scored the only goal of the shootout when Pavol Demitra used a slick shoulder fake to backhand the puck over Miikka Kiprusoff's outstretched leg.

The Flames, having already wrapped up a playoff position, were no push-overs.  They came at the Kings with intensity and several rushes.  LaBarbera was up to the task and made 42 saves on 43 shots... including all three in the shootout to preserve the victory.

The Kings only goal in regulation was by Pavol Demitra, taking advantage of a great pass from Jeremy Roenick as Demitra jumped out of the penalty box.

Although Luc didn't score, the crowd was left with a wonderful memory of the game and his words at the end as he addressed the crowd.
]]> sports Sun, 16 Apr 2006 20:59:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=81117# Technology Ted No Kings Officially Eliminated http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=80298# Two lackluster efforts amounted to an ending of the Kings' playoff hopes.  The Ducks' poor effort in a 2-1 loss against the Oilers mathematically eliminated Los Angeles from the playoffs for the third straight season.  Even if the Ducks had managed a win, the Kings also played poorly in a 3-0 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes.

The penalty-filled game, featured three instances of 5-on-3 power plays in the first period alone.  Special teams was at the heart of the Kings' problems once again.  Two power play goals and a shorthanded goal by the Coyotes in the second period were too much for the Kings to overcome.

Saturday's game against the Flames will be the final home game for Luc Robitaille who will be honored prior to the dropping of the puck.  Hopefully the Kings can dig deep and play for pride, Luc, and their jobs.

The Ducks, already assured of a playoff spot, have now dropped two straight games.  Their recent losses to the Flames and Oilers have revealed a few glaring weaknesses.  Chief among them is their inconsistent effort... a problem they had during the first half of the season.  They have shown time and time again that they can match up with any team when they are skating and working hard.  However, they exhibited little of that against Calgary and Edmonton.

With the loss, they drop to sixth in the Western Conference.  They hope to rebound on Saturday against the extremely hot San Jose Sharks.
]]> sports Sat, 15 Apr 2006 01:27:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=80298# Technology Ted No Slim Hope Remains http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=79764# The Vancouver Canucks lost to the San Jose Sharks last night in overtime 5-4.  What does this mean?  Mathematically, it means there's the slightest glimmer of hope that the Kings could make it into the playoffs.  Of course, world peace may be more attainable.  The Oilers and Canucks are what stand in the way of the Kings making the playoffs. 

The San Jose win also clinched a playoff spot for the Sharks... a feat that would have seemed nothing short of a miracle back in January.  They join the Stars and Ducks as Pacific Division representatives in the playoffs.  San Jose and Anaheim have had similar up and down seasons that looked bleak in the first half of the year.  However, since January, the Sharks and Ducks have turned their seasons around.

The Ducks face off against the Oilers and the Kings take on the Coyotes tonight.  If the Oilers manage to even tie the Ducks, the Kings' season is over.  Their game agains the Coyotes will be nothing more than bragging rights of who's the best of the worst.

As is common, the Kings will be without at least one key player... Aaron Miller underwent successful hip surgery and will likely miss the match.

Meanwhile, the Ducks, who have clinched a playoff spot, hope to rebound after a disappointing shutout loss to the Calgary Flames.
]]> sports Thu, 13 Apr 2006 15:00:00 GMT http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=79764# Technology Ted No Luc Robitaille Announces His Retirement http://socalhockey.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=79405# What can you say when the highest-scoring left wing in NHL history decides it's time to hang-up the skates?  Luc Robitaille announced yesterday that he will retire after the end of this season.  Although fans and friends knew this day would come, the announcement leaves a huge void in the world of active NHL players.  Although he wasn't as effective on the ice this year, the 40-year-old veteran still had a bigger heart than most of the other players in the league.

Robitaille was always a class act and never gave up.  A ninth-round draft pick of the Kings in 1984, he overcame language barriers and criticism of his skating to become the Rookie of the Year, a Stanley Cup Winner, and the record holder for most goals in a Kings' uniform.  Those are just some of the awards and decorations that he gathered throughout his career.  It doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the number of first and second-team all-star selections he received.

However, his career can't be summed up merely by his awards and statistics.  Robitaille donated his time, energy, and money to promote hockey in Southern California and help families in need.  His work with charities includes the Ronald McDonald House, Music Cares, the Starlight Foundation, benefit hockey games for AIDS and Cancer research, and Shelter for Serenity (a foundation that he and his wife, Stacia, created to help Hurricane Katrina victims rebuild their lives).

Although Luc played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Rangers, and the Detroit Red Wings, his heart was, and always will be, in Los Angeles.  He even brought the Stanley Cup to Los Angeles after winning it with the Wings in 2002.  A classy move by such a classy guy.

His nickname was "Lucky," and that's exactly ho